Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Flapjacks')
Discover Kalanchoe thyrsiflora 'Flapjacks', the paddle plant, known for its striking stacked leaves and drought tolerance in Zones 10-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ is an immediately recognizable succulent prized for its architectural structure and vibrant coloring. This unique plant features large, paddle-shaped leaves stacked atop one another, often earning it the nickname ‘flapjack’ plant due to their pancake-like arrangement. When grown in sufficient sunlight, the edges of these gray-green leaves turn a spectacular red, offering year-round visual interest.
As a member of the Crassulaceae family, this Kalanchoe variety possesses excellent drought tolerance, making it superbly suited for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens in warm climates. While hardy outdoors in Zones 10 through 12, it functions beautifully as a striking houseplant or container specimen elsewhere in the US, especially when grown in a well-draining cactus mix.
Even though the mother plant of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ is monocarpic—dying after it flowers—it is rarely a permanent loss. It reliably produces offsets, ensuring the continuity of this captivating succulent grouping within your garden or container collection.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Crassulaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2.5 ft
- Spread: 0.75-1.5 ft
- Bloom Time: April to May
- Bloom Description: Yellow flowers with red-rimmed foliage
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Dry to medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal growth outdoors in its native range, plant Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ during the warmer months in locations receiving full sun. Soil must be extremely well-drained, mimicking its native habitat of dry, exposed, rocky areas; sandy or cactus potting mixes work perfectly. While it tolerates some afternoon shade, providing full sun encourages the development of the sought-after red margins on the foliage.
Watering requires restraint; this succulent has excellent drought tolerance. Only apply water when the soil has completely dried out between waterings. Overwatering is the fastest route to root rot, especially when keeping the plant overwintered indoors. During winter dormancy or when grown indoors, reduce watering significantly.
If you are growing Kalanchoe as a houseplant, aim for a cooler resting temperature, ideally in the lower 60°F range during winter. When the plant matures (typically after 3-4 years), it will send up a tall flower stalk. Once the mother plant dies back after blooming, remove the dead stalk and thin out the established offsets surrounding the base to maintain plant vigor. Propagation is simple, achieved either via these offsets or through leaf cuttings.
Landscape Uses
The unusual form of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ makes it an excellent architectural accent piece in landscape designs where winter hardiness allows. It excels when used as a focal point in rock gardens, providing vertical structure right next to low-growing, spreading succulents or groundcovers that appreciate similar dry, sunny conditions. Due to its medium size, it functions well as a bold edge planting or massed for a tropical, contemporary display.
For gardeners outside Zones 10-12, these plants are best managed in containers. This allows for easy relocation when temperatures dip, protecting the Kalanchoe from frost. Grouping them with other heat-loving, drought-tolerant container plants, such as various Agaves or Yuccas, creates cohesive, low-maintenance patio displays throughout the summer months.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
- Fragrant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Kalancho thyrsiflora, commonly known as paddle plant, flapjacks, dog tongue or desert cabbage, is a drought tolerant, white-frosted succulent of the stonecrop family that typically grows to 24-30” tall (basal rosette to 18” and flower spike to 30”). Plants are native to South Africa, primarily in dry, exposed, rocky areas. Each plant features a basal rosette of large, fleshy, wedge-shaped or paddle-shaped, stalkless, obovate, gray-green leaves (to 6” long) which are covered with a white powdery bloom. The rosette leaves are stacked like pancakes, and with sufficient sun exposure, the exposed leaf margins turn a showy red.
Tolerances
- Drought
- Dry Soil
Potential Problems
The primary cultural challenge for Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ relates to moisture management. Root rot is a significant concern if the soil remains wet, particularly when temperatures drop or during winter indoor care. Ensure your potting medium drains instantly.
Pests target this succulent, requiring routine vigilance, especially when it is grown indoors. Scale, mealy bugs, and mites can all become problematic if infestation sets in. Regularly inspect the leaf surfaces and crevices; early detection allows for prompt treatment using horticultural oil or insecticidal soap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ suitable for?
This striking succulent is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 12. In cooler regions, it must be protected from frost and is best grown as a houseplant or annual.
How large does Kalanchoe grow?
In the garden, Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ typically reaches heights of 1 to 2.5 feet, with a spread between 0.75 and 1.5 feet. Container-grown specimens often remain shorter, sometimes only reaching 10 inches tall.
What sun exposure does Kalanchoe need?
The ideal setting for this Kalanchoe is full sun, which promotes the best red coloring on the leaf margins. However, it will tolerate some part shade, especially during the intense heat of the day.
When does Kalanchoe bloom?
Flowering generally occurs from April through May, producing fragrant yellow flowers atop tall spikes rising from the center of the rosette.
Conclusion
The Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ brings an unmistakable, sculptural presence to any succulent collection or xeriscape. Its unique stacking leaf arrangement and potential for red coloration make it an essential statement plant. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Zones 10-12 or plan on providing winter protection for your Kalanchoe.
Companion Planting
When designing a low-water garden featuring Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’, pairing it with other Crassulaceae family members or similarly resilient succulents works best. Look for companions that share the love for sharp drainage and intense sun. Good partners include various Echeveria varieties, low-growing Sedum, or even Aloes that offer contrasting textures without competing for water resources.
In container plantings, balance the vertical structure of the Kalanchoe with trailers. Try cascading varieties of String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) or low-spilling groundcover Portulacaria afra (dwarf elephant bush) to soften the edges of the pot while maintaining their shared preference for dry soil.
Propagation Tips
The most reliable method for increasing your supply of Kalanchoe thyrsiflora ‘Flapjacks’ is through the use of offsets. As the mother plant matures, small clonal offsets will emerge near the base or along the lower stem of the developing flower stalk. Wait until these offsets are substantial enough to handle, then carefully twist or cut them away from the parent. Plant these offsets directly into a dry, sandy soil mix, providing minimal supplemental water until rooting is established.
Leaf cuttings are also highly effective, though slower. Gently twist an entire, healthy leaf from the rosette. Allow the break point to callous over for several days in a dry location. Once calloused, place the base of the leaf onto the surface of dry succulent mix. Resist the urge to water until you see new growth emerging from the base of the leaf, typically many weeks later.
